Child restraint system with belt tensioning mechanism

ABSTRACT

A child seat includes a tensioning mechanism that selectively applies tension to a seat belt to secure the child seat to a car seat. The child seat includes a base that defines a receiving region. The tensioning mechanism includes a bottom arm pivotably attached to the base within the receiving region and a top arm pivotably attached to the bottom arm. The tensioning mechanism is adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration relative to the base. In both the first configuration and the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism defines a tortuous, nonlinear belt pathway. In the first configuration, the tensioning mechanism receives a portion of the seat belt, and in the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism applies tension to the portion of the seat belt.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 17/494,520, entitled CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM WITH BELTTENSIONING MECHANISM and filed Oct. 5, 2021, which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/088,051, filed on Oct. 6,2020, and entitled CAR SEAT ATTACHMENT SYSTEM, the contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to child restraint systems, and, moreparticularly, to child restraint systems with belt tensioning systems.

BACKGROUND

Child restraint systems, also commonly called child safety seats, childseats, car seats, or booster seats, among others, are designed toprotect children in vehicles from the effects of impacts or suddenchanges in motion (e.g., sudden acceleration, sudden deceleration,etc.). Child restraint systems, referred to hereinafter as child seats,may be used in a variety of vehicles with different seat types and/orseating configurations. It is important for a child seat to be properlysecured to the vehicle (e.g., car) seat to protect the occupant, but itis not uncommon for such child seats to be installed or used improperly.For example, some child seats are secured to a car seat with a seat beltof the car, but in such situations, securing the child seat may beawkward and difficult, and a proper amount of tension may not bemaintained. In such situations, an improper amount of tension isundesirable and may negatively affect the safety of the occupant securedwithin the child seat.

SUMMARY

Embodiments covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, notthis summary. This summary is a high-level overview of variousembodiments and introduces some of the concepts that are furtherdescribed in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine thescope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should beunderstood by reference to appropriate portions of the entirespecification of this patent, any or all drawings, and each claim.

According to certain embodiments, a child seat that may be secured to acar seat includes a base that includes a receiving region. The base mayreceive a belt of the car seat at least within the receiving region andto secure the child seat to the car seat. The child seat also includes atensioning mechanism pivotably attached to the base within the receivingregion. In certain embodiments, the tensioning mechanism includes firstarm and a second arm, and the first arm is pivotably attached to thesecond arm. The tensioning mechanism may be adjustable between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration. In some embodiments, in thefirst configuration, the first arm is at a first angle relative to thesecond arm and the tensioning mechanism is configured to receive aportion of the belt, and in the second configuration, the first arm isat a second angle relative to the second arm that is different from thefirst angle and the tensioning mechanism is configured to apply tensionto the portion of the belt.

According to various embodiments, a child seat that may be secured to acar seat includes a base and a tensioning mechanism. The base includes areceiving region, and the base may receive a belt of the car seat atleast within the receiving region and to secure the child seat to thecar seat. In certain embodiments, the tensioning mechanism includes abottom arm and a top arm. The bottom arm is pivotably attached to thebase within the receiving region, and the top arm is pivotably attachedto the bottom arm. The tensioning mechanism is adjustable between afirst configuration and a second configuration. In some embodiments, inthe first configuration, the top arm extends at a first angle relativeto the bottom arm and the tensioning mechanism is configured to receivea portion of the belt, and in the second configuration, the top armextends at a second angle relative to the bottom arm that is differentfrom the first angle and the tensioning mechanism is configured to applytension to the portion of the belt.

According to some embodiments, a child seat that may be secured to a carseat includes a base and a tensioning mechanism. The base includes areceiving region, and the base may receive a belt of the car seat atleast within the receiving region and to secure the child seat to thecar seat. The tensioning mechanism is attached to the base within thereceiving region and is pivotable about a first pivot axis. In someembodiments, the tensioning mechanism includes a second pivot axisoffset from and parallel to the first pivot axis, and the second pivotaxis is movable relative to the base. The tensioning mechanism isadjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration. Incertain embodiments, in the first configuration, the tensioningmechanism is configured to receive a portion of the belt, and wherein,in the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism is configured toapply tension to the portion of the belt.

According to certain embodiments, a child seat that may be secured to acar seat includes a base and a tensioning mechanism. The base mayinclude a first side, a second side opposite the first side, and areceiving region between the first side and the second side. The basemay receive a belt of the car seat from the first side to the secondside and within the receiving region. The tensioning mechanism ispivotably attached to the base within the receiving region and isadjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration. Insome embodiments, in the first configuration, the tensioning mechanismis configured to receive a portion of the belt, and in the secondconfiguration, the tensioning mechanism is configured to apply tensionto the portion of the belt. In various embodiments, in both the firstconfiguration and the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism andthe base define a tortuous, nonlinear belt pathway from the first sideof the base to the second side of the base.

Various implementations described herein may include additional systems,methods, features, and advantages, which cannot necessarily be expresslydisclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart upon examination of the following detailed description andaccompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods,features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure andprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The specification makes reference to the following appended figures, inwhich use of like reference numerals in different figures is intended toillustrate like or analogous components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a child seat with a belt tensioning system accordingto various embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a base of the child seat of FIG. 1 with the belttensioning system.

FIG. 3 is a view of the base of the child seat of FIG. 1 with the belttensioning system removed.

FIG. 4 is another view of the base and the belt tensioning system ofFIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 illustrates the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is another view of the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is another view of the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is another view of the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is another view of the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 with acover of a handle of the belt tensioning system removed.

FIG. 10 is another view of the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 with thecover of the handle removed as well as a cover of a locking pin of thebelt tensioning system removed.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the handle of the belt tensioning systemof FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the handle of the belt tensioning systemof FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate the base and the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1with the belt tensioning system a locked configuration and in anunlocked configuration.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate a seat belt positioned with the base and the belttensioning system of FIG. 1 during an installation step and with thebelt tensioning system in the unlocked configuration.

FIGS. 15A-B illustrate the belt tensioning system of FIG. 1 in thelocked configuration during an installation step such that the seat beltis tensioned.

FIG. 16 illustrates the base of the child seat of FIG. 1 with a rigidconnecter at least partially extended from the base.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another base of a child seat with abelt tensioning system according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 is another view of the base of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 19 illustrates the base of FIG. 17 with the belt tensioning systemin an unlocked configuration.

FIG. 20 illustrates the base of FIG. 17 with the belt tensioning systemin a locked configuration.

FIG. 21 illustrates the base of FIG. 17 with the belt tensioning systemin the unlocked configuration and a rigid connector at least partiallyextended from the base.

FIG. 22 illustrates the base of FIG. 17 with the belt tensioning systemin the locked configuration and the rigid connector retracted relativeto the base.

FIG. 23 illustrates a portion of the base of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 24 illustrates another portion of the base of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 25 illustrates another portion of the base of FIG. 17 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of embodiments is described herein with specificityto meet statutory requirements, but this description is not necessarilyintended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject mattermay be embodied in other ways, may include different elements or steps,and may be used in conjunction with other existing or futuretechnologies. This description should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order or arrangement among or between various steps orelements except when the order of individual steps or arrangement ofelements is explicitly described. Directional references such as “up,”“down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “front,” and “back,” amongothers, are intended to refer to the orientation as illustrated anddescribed in the figure (or figures) to which the components anddirections are referencing. Throughout this disclosure, a referencenumeral with a letter refers to a specific instance of an element andthe reference numeral without an accompanying letter refers to theelement generically or collectively. Thus, as an example (not shown inthe drawings), device “12A” refers to an instance of a device class,which may be referred to collectively as devices “12” and any one ofwhich may be referred to generically as a device “12”. In the figuresand the description, like numerals are intended to represent likeelements.

A child seat may be configured for installation based on the height andweight of a child and according to various guidelines and standards,such as those of the United States National Highway TransportationSafety Administration. To ensure maximum protection for an occupant ofthe child seat, the child seat must be secured to a fixed location in avehicle, such as using a seat belt of the car seat or LATCH (LowerAnchors and Tethers for Children) attachments. When seat belts are usedto secure the child seats, the seat belts are often positioned aroundthe child seat and then engaged with a buckle attached to the car seat.However, slack in the seat belt may often occur, even when the seat beltis tightly fastened, and such slack causes the child seat to be looselysecured to the vehicle, which presents an unsafe condition for theoccupant.

In view of such limitations, described herein are tensioning mechanismsfor child seats that provide easy securing of the child seat using aseat belt. In certain aspects, the tensioning mechanisms describedherein may allow a user to easily apply tension to a buckled seat beltduring installation of the child seat, and optionally may allow for aone-handed operation of the tensioning mechanism by the user. Suchimproved tensioning by the tensioning mechanism may secure the childseat to the car seat in a fully secured or tensioned configuration,which may provide increased safety for an occupant of the child seat.Various other advantages and benefits may be realized with thetensioning mechanisms described herein, and the aforementioned benefitsand advantages should not be considered limiting.

FIGS. 1-16 illustrate an example of a child seat 100 according tovarious embodiments. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , for example, thechild seat 100 includes a base 102 and a tensioning mechanism 104. Inthe embodiment illustrated, the child seat 100 is an infant car seat;however, in other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 104 may beprovided with other types of child seats as desired, including but notlimited to convertible cart seats (i.e., can be forward-facing orrear-facing), a 3-in-1 car seat, a booster seat, and/or other types ofchild seats as desired. Likewise, while the tensioning mechanism 104 isillustrated with the base 102 of the child seat 100 in FIGS. 1-16 , inother embodiments and depending on the type of child seat, thetensioning mechanism 104 may be provided at other locations as desired.

A carrier 106 may be releasably attached to the base 102. As illustratedin FIG. 1 , the carrier 106 may include a shell 108 and generallydefines an occupant area 110 for receiving an occupant, such as aninfant, child, etc. The carrier 106 may include various feature such aspadding and a dress cover 112 and a handle 114, among other features.However, the particular carrier 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 should not beconsidered limiting, and in various embodiments other types of carriersmay be releasably attached to the base 102, including carriers that haveadditional and/or different features compared to those illustrated inFIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 2-4 , the base 102 of the child seat 100 includes afront end 116, a rear end 118 opposite from the front end 116, a basewall 120, a first sidewall 122 extending from the base wall 120, and asecond sidewall 124 extending from the base wall 120. In variousembodiments, the base wall 120, the first sidewall 122, and the secondsidewall 124 together define a receiving area 126 of the base 102 thatat least partially receives the carrier 106 and at least partiallyreceives a seat belt of a car seat, as discussed in detail below.

As illustrated in FIG. 2 , for example, the base 102 may include variouscarrier engagement features 154 within the receiving area 126 forselectively engaging the carrier 106. In the embodiment illustrated, thecarrier engagement features 154 are hooks that selectively engage pinson the carrier 106, although other suitable types of carrier engagementfeatures 154 may be utilized as desired.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 , for example, in certain embodiments thebase 102 includes one or more belt guides 134 on the sidewalls 122, 124for guiding and positioning a seat belt of the car seat relative to thebase 102. In the embodiment illustrated, the belt guides 134 areprovided on top edges of the sidewalls 122, 124, respectively, anddefine a guide region 136 that is recessed relative to the top edges ofthe sidewalls 122, 124. In certain embodiments, the guide regions 136optionally extend at an oblique angle relative to a horizontal axis anda vertical axis of the base 102 such that the seat belt positionedwithin the guide regions 136 extends at an oblique angle relative to thehorizontal axis and the vertical axis of the base 102. In otherembodiments, the guide regions 136 need not extend at oblique anglesrelative to the horizontal axis and/or the vertical axis of the base102. Optionally, and as best illustrated in FIGS. 2, 14A-B, and 15A-B,one or more belt guides 134 may include a guide cover 138 that extendsat least partially over the guide regions 136. In such examples, and asdiscussed in detail below, when the seat belt is positioned within theguide regions 136, the guide covers 138 may at least partially overlapthe seat belt to further facilitate positioning of the seat belt withinthe guide regions 136.

In certain embodiments, the base 102 optionally includes a load leg 128extending from the front end 116. In some cases, the load leg 128 may bepivotably attached to the base 102, although it need not be in otherexamples. In various embodiments, the load leg 128 may be extendable,although in other embodiments the load leg 128 may have a fixed length.When included, the load leg 128 may selectively engage a floor of avehicle directly in front of the car seat. Optionally, a rebound bar 130may extend upwards from the top edge of the base 102 proximate to therear end 118 or at any other location as desired. As best illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 , and 16, in some optional embodiments, the base 102 mayinclude latches 132 for engaging anchors or latch bars on the car seatto secure the child seat 100 to a car seat, either in place of or inaddition to the seat belt discussed below. Stated differently, invarious embodiments, the child seat 100 may be secured to a car seatusing only a seat belt, only the latches 132, or both the seat belt andthe latches 132. In certain embodiments, the latches 132 optionally maybe fixed to the base 102, and a latch locking mechanism 109 (see FIG. 9) may allow for selective extension and retraction of the latches 132relative to the rear end 118 of the base 102. In the exampleillustrated, the latch locking mechanism 109 is a depressible buttonthat, when depressed, allows for the latches 132 to slide to a desiredextension or retraction relative to the base 102. In other embodiments,other types of latches 132 may be utilized as desired, and the latches132 need not be rigid relative to the base 102. In further embodiments,the latches 132 may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the base 102 includes a cavity 140 within thereceiving area 126 of the base 102. As discussed in detail below, thetensioning mechanism 104 may be at least partially positioned within thecavity 140 when the tensioning mechanism 104 is installed with the base102. The cavity 140 includes a bottom cavity surface 142 and an endcavity surface 144. In various embodiments, the bottom cavity surface142 defines a bottom channel 146 that at least partially receives aportion of the tensioning mechanism 104 as discussed in detail below. Incertain embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 104 may be pivotablyconnected to the base 102 within the bottom channel 146, although itneed not be within the bottom channel 146 in other embodiments. Invarious embodiments, the end cavity surface 144 optionally includes alocking cavity 148 that selectively receives a locking pin 164 of thetensioning mechanism 104. Optionally, a locking pin guide 150 may alsobe provided on the end cavity surface 144 that may facilitatepositioning of the locking pin 164 between a locked position and anunlocked position as discussed in detail below. In various embodiments,the locking pin guide 150 may limit inadvertent movement of thetensioning mechanism 104 from a first configuration to a secondconfiguration by providing resistance to such movement below certainforce thresholds. In certain embodiments, the end cavity surface 144includes one or more end channels 152 that may receive and guide guides178 of the tensioning mechanism 104. In certain embodiments, the endchannels 152 are arcuate shaped, although they need not be in otherembodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 4-13 , in certain embodiments, the tensioningmechanism 104 includes at least one arm assembly 156 having a top arm158 and a bottom arm 160. In the embodiment illustrated, the tensioningmechanism 104 includes two arm assemblies 156A-B, each of which includesa top arm 158 and a bottom arm 160. In various embodiments, thetensioning mechanism 104 includes a handle 162 and a locking mechanism196 supported by the at least one arm assembly 156.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 5-10 , each top arm 158 includes a firstend 166, a second end 168 opposite the first end 166, a front end 170, aback end 172 opposite the front end 170, a top side 174, and a bottomside 176 opposite the top side 174. In certain embodiments, the firstend 166 may include a recessed portion 180 that may at least partiallyreceive the handle 162 such that the front end 170 and the back end 172at least partially overlap the handle 162. In various embodiments, aguide 178 may extend outwards from the back end 172 of the top arm 158.When the child seat 100 is assembled, the guide 178 may be positionedwithin a corresponding end channel 152 and may be moveable within theend channel 152. In some embodiments, the first end 166 may includevarious features or mechanisms enabling the top arms 158 to be pivotablyor rotatably attached to each other and/or to the handle 162. In theembodiment illustrated, the first end 166 includes apertures forreceiving pins that connect the top arms 158 and the handle 162 andenable rotation of the top arms 158 relative to each other. In certainaspects, the guide 178 within the corresponding end channel 152 mayfacilitate positioning of the tensioning mechanism between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration as discussed in detail below.In various embodiments, at least a portion of the bottom side 176optionally may have a non-linear curvature and/or be arcuate-shaped,which may facilitate positioning of the seat belt. In other embodiments,the bottom side 176 may have other profiles or shapes as desired.

In the embodiment illustrated, the top arm 158 of the arm assembly 156Bis a mirrored configuration of the top arm 158 of the arm assembly 156Aother than their engagement with each other. In particular, in theembodiment illustrated, the top arm 158 of the arm assembly 156Aoverlaps a portion of the top arm 158 of the arm assembly 156B; however,in other embodiments, such engagement may be reversed and/or the toparms 158 may be connected to each other in other configurations asdesired.

With reference to FIGS. 6-7 , each bottom arm 160 includes a first end182, a second end 184 opposite the first end 182, a front end 186, aback end 188 opposite the front end 186, a top side 190, and a bottomside 192 opposite the top side 190. In some embodiments, and asillustrated in FIG. 7 , for example, the bottom side 192 may have anon-linear curvature and/or be arcuate shaped; however, in otherembodiments, the bottom side 192 may have other profiles as desired. Invarious embodiments, a length of the bottom arm 160, or a distance fromthe first end 182 to the second end 184, optionally is less than alength of the top arm 158, which is a distance from the first end 166 tothe second end 168. The first end 182 of the bottom arm 160 isconnectable to the base 102, and the second end 184 of the bottom arm160 is connectable to the corresponding top arm 158. In certainembodiments, the first end 182 and the second end 184 include varioussuitable features or mechanisms such that the bottom arm 160 ispivotably attached to both the base 102 and the top arm 158. In theembodiment of FIGS. 1-16 , and as best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 ,the first end 182 and the second end 184 each include apertures thatreceive pivot pins 194 that pivotably attach the bottom arm 160 with thebase 102 and the top arm 158, respectively. In certain embodiments, thepivot pin 194 at the first end 182 is a first pivot axis of the armassembly 156, and the pivot pin 194 at the second end 184 is a secondpivot axis of the arm assembly 156. The first pivot axis and the secondpivot axis extend parallel to each other, and as discussed in detailbelow, a position of the second pivot axis relative to the first pivotaxis may be adjusted based on the tensioning mechanism 104 being in thefirst configuration or the second configuration.

In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom arm 160 of the arm assembly156B is a mirrored configuration of the bottom arm 160 of the armassembly 156A. In the embodiment illustrated, the bottom arms 160 areillustrated as having separate pivot attachments/pivot pins 194 at thefirst ends 182. In some cases, separate pivot attachments may provideimproved stability and strength to the tensioning mechanism 104.However, in other embodiments, a single pivot pin 194 may be used topivotably attach both bottom arms 160 to the base 102.

As mentioned, the handle 162 may be supported by the first ends 166 ofthe top arms 158, and the handle 162 may be gripped or otherwise used bya user to adjust the tensioning mechanism 104 between the firstconfiguration and the second configuration. In some embodiments, and asbest illustrated in FIGS. 8-10 , the locking mechanism 196 may besupported by the top arms 158 for selectively securing the tensioningmechanism 104 in the first configuration or the second configuration. Inthe embodiment illustrated, and as illustrated in FIG. 9 , the lockingmechanism 196 includes a locking pin 164, a biasing member 198, and abutton 101. The locking pin 164 is movable between a lockedconfiguration, in which the locking pin 164 extends outwards from theback ends 168 of the top arms 158, and an unlocked configuration, inwhich the locking pin 164 is retracted within the handle 162 relative tothe locked configuration. FIGS. 8-10 illustrated the locking pin 164 inthe locked configuration. The biasing member 198 biases the locking pin164 towards the locked configuration and may be various suitable devicesor mechanisms as desired. In the embodiment illustrated, the biasingmember 198 is a spring. The button 101 of the locking mechanism 196 mayselectively move the locking pin 164 from the locked configuration tothe unlocked configuration. In the embodiment illustrated, the button101 is a depressible button that, when pressed by a user, engages asliding pin 103 on the locking pin 164, thereby causing the locking pin164 to move from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.Other mechanisms may be used as the locking mechanism 196 in otherembodiments.

When the tensioning mechanism 104 is assembled, each bottom arm 160 ispivotably attached to the base 102 and a corresponding top arm 158, andthe top arms 158 are pivotably attached to each other. In certainembodiments, the bottom arms 160 are pivotably attached to the base 102within the bottom channel 146, although in other embodiments they may bepivotably attached to the base 102 at other locations within thereceiving area 126 as desired. In various embodiments, each bottom arm160 is pivotably attached to the corresponding top arm 158 on the bottomside 176 of the top arm 158. In certain cases, each bottom arm 160 maybe pivotably attached to the top arm 158 at a location that is betweenthe first end 166 and the second end 168 of the top arm 158. In someembodiments, each bottom arm 160 may be pivotably attached to the toparm 158 at a location that is offset from the front end 170 of the toparm 158. Such attachment of the bottom arm 160 to the top arm 158 mayallow for the tensioning mechanism 104 to define a belt pathway whileminimizing potential interference with the pivoting of the tensioningmechanism 104 about the first pivot axes and the second pivot axes.

Referring to FIGS. 13A-B, the assembled tensioning mechanism 104 isadjustable between a first (or unlocked) configuration (FIG. 13B) and asecond (or locked) configuration (FIG. 13A).

In various embodiments, the top arm 158 of each arm assembly 156 ispivotably attached to the corresponding bottom arm 160 such that in thefirst configuration, the top arm 158 extends at a first angle relativeto the bottom arm 160, and in the second configuration, the top arm 158extends at a second angle relative to the bottom arm 160 that is lessthan the first angle. In certain embodiments, in the firstconfiguration, a plane of the top arm 158 of the arm assembly 156Aextends at a non-straight angle relative to a plane of the top arm 158of the arm assembly 156B. In some cases, the angle between the planes ofthe top arms 158 is an oblique angle in the first configuration,although it need not be in other embodiments. Similarly, in the firstconfiguration, a plane of the bottom arm 160 of the arm assembly 156Aextends at a non-straight angle relative to a plane of the bottom arm160 of the arm assembly 156B. In various embodiments, the angle betweenthe bottom arms 160 in the first configuration may be an oblique angle,although it need not be in other embodiments. In the secondconfiguration, the top arms 158 may optionally extends substantiallyparallel to each other, or at least the angle between the top arms 158is closer to a straight angle compared to the first configuration.Similarly, in the second configuration, the angle between the bottomarms 160 is closer to a straight angle compared to the firstconfiguration.

In some embodiments, in the first configuration, the top sides 190 ofthe bottom arms 160 are spaced apart from the bottom sides 176 of thetop arms 158, and in the second configuration, the top sides 190 of thebottom arms 160 optionally contact the bottom sides 176 of the top arms158. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 , thefirst ends 166 of the top arms 158 may be spaced apart from the base 102in the first configuration compared to the second configuration. Invarious embodiments, in the first configuration, the second pivot axisof each arm assembly 156 is offset outwards from the base 102 andrelative to the first pivot axis compared to the configuration of thesecond pivot axis in the second configuration As illustrated in FIGS. 12and 13 , in the first configuration, a greatest distance between thetensioning mechanism 104 and the base 102 may be greater than a distancebetween the tensioning mechanism 104 and the base 102 in the secondconfiguration.

The tensioning mechanism 104 is assembled with the base 102 by pivotablyattaching the bottom arms 160 with the base 102. In certain embodiments,the bottom arms 160 optionally are pivotably attached to the base 102within the bottom channel 146 of the cavity 140. The guides 178extending from the top arms 158 may be positioned within the endchannels 152 and the guides 178 within the end channels 152 mayfacilitate movement of the tensioning mechanism 104 between the firstconfiguration and the second configuration. In various embodiments, thetensioning mechanism 104 is pivotably attached to the base 102 such thatthe first pivot axis and the second pivot axis extend at oblique anglesrelative to the horizontal axis and the vertical axis of the base 102.In some embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 104 is pivotably attachedto the base 102 such that the top arms 158 and the bottom arms 160 arerotatable relative to each other and such that a relative angle betweenadjacent arms 158, 160 is adjustable. Stated differently, in some cases,the tensioning mechanism 104 is pivotably attached to the base 102 suchthat the tensioning mechanism is angled upwards in a front to backdirection of the base 102. In some embodiments, the angled tensioningmechanism 104 and the angled pivot axes may provide an improvedconnection between the tensioning mechanism and a seat belt, and/or theangled tensioning mechanism 104 may facilitate movement of thetensioning mechanism 104 by a user between the first configuration andthe second configuration. In other embodiments, the tensioning mechanism104 need not be angled relative to the horizontal axis and/or thevertical axis.

While attached to the base 102, the tensioning mechanism 104 isadjustable between the first configuration and the second configuration.As illustrated in FIGS. 14A-B and 15A-B, in both the first configurationand the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism 104 and the base102 together define a non-linear, tortuous belt pathway 105 for a seatbelt 107. In various embodiments, the belt pathway 105 is defined overthe sidewall 122 (or the sidewall 124), between the second end 168 ofone of the top arms 158 and the cavity 140, between the bottom sides 176of the top arms 158 and the bottom cavity surface 142, between thesecond end 168 of the other one of the top arms 158 and the cavity 140,and over the sidewall 124 (or the sidewall 122). In various embodiments,the belt pathway 105 defined between the bottom sides 176 of the toparms 158 and the bottom cavity surface 142 is defined adjacent to thebottom sides 176 between the front end 170 and the back end 172 of eachtop arm 158. In certain embodiments, the belt pathway 105 definedbetween the bottom sides 176 of the top arms 158 and the bottom cavitysurface 142 is defined adjacent to the bottom sides 176 between thebottom arms 160 pivotably attached to the bottom side 176 and the frontend 170 of each top arm 158.

In certain embodiments, in the first configuration (FIGS. 14A-B), anincreased gap is defined between the tensioning mechanism 104 and thebase 102 compared to the second configuration (FIGS. 15A-B) tofacilitate placement and positioning of the seat belt 107 along the beltpathway 105. In various embodiments, the tensioning mechanism 104 in thefirst configuration may receive the seat belt 107, and the tensioningmechanism 104 in the second configuration applies tension to the seatbelt 107 to secure the child seat 100 to a car seat associated with theseat belt 107 and provide increased safety for the occupant of the childseat 100. In some embodiments, the tortuosity of the belt pathway 105 inthe second configuration is increased, and the second ends 168 of thetop arms 158 may push the seat belt 107 outwards and into the sidewalls122, 124 compared to the belt pathway 105 in the first configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-B and 15A-B, a method of installing the childseat 100 with the tensioning mechanism is described below. A method ofuninstalling the child seat 100 may be performed by reversing the orderof steps described below.

In various embodiments, the method includes positioning the seat belt107 along the belt pathway 105 while the tensioning mechanism 104 is inthe first configuration. In some embodiments, positioning the seat belt107 includes positioning a lap portion of the seat belt 107, a shoulderportion of the seat belt 107, or both the lap portion and the shoulderportion of the seat belt 107 along the belt pathway 105. In someembodiments, positioning the seat belt 107 along the belt pathway 105includes positioning a portion of the seat belt 107 within the guideregions 136 of the belt guides 134 on the sidewalls 122, 124 of the base102. In various embodiments, positioning the seat belt 107 may includepositioning the seat belt 107 with any amount of initial tension asdesired by the user.

The method includes moving the tensioning mechanism 104 from the firstconfiguration to the second configuration such that the tensioningmechanism 104 applies tension to the seat belt 107 along the beltpathway 105. In some embodiments, moving the tensioning mechanism 104from the first configuration to the second configuration includespressing the button 101 on the handle 162 to at least partially retractthe locking pin 164 towards the unlocked configuration of the lockingpin 164 and applying a downwards force on the handle 162 (e.g., a forcetowards the base 102). However, in other embodiments, the button 101need not be pressed and/or the locking pin 164 need not be retractedwhen the user applies the downwards force on the handle 162. In variousembodiments, the downwards force applied on the handle 162 overcomes anyresistance (or force threshold) that the locking pin guide 150 otherwiseprovides to the locking pin 164 against inadvertent movement towards thesecond configuration. The method includes applying the downward forcesuch that the bottom arms 160 pivot relative to the base 102 and the toparms 158 pivot relative to each other and relative to the bottom arms160. In certain embodiments, the method may include releasing the button101 such that the locking pin 164 is biased towards the lockedconfiguration, and applying the downward force until the locking pin 164engages the locking cavity 148. The locking pin 164 engaged with thelocking cavity 148 may lock the tensioning mechanism 104 in the secondconfiguration.

Optionally, the method may include further securing the base 102 to thecar seat by engaging the latches 132 on the base 102 with anchors orlatch bars on the car seat. In certain embodiments, engaging the latches132 with the anchors or latch bars includes adjusting a length of thelatches 132 relative to the base 102 by engaging the latch lockingmechanisms 109 on the base 102.

As mentioned, the child seat 100 with the tensioning mechanism 104 mayprovide improved tensioning to the seat belt 107 when installed toprovide improved safety to the occupant of the child seat 100. Incertain embodiments, the child seat 100 may allow for improvedinstallation, optionally allowing for one-handed installation by theuser to move the tensioning mechanism 104 from the first configurationto the second configuration.

FIGS. 17-25 illustrate another example of a child seat 1700 according tovarious embodiments. The child seat 1700 is substantially similar to thechild seat 100 and includes a base 1702 and a tensioning mechanism 1704.The base 1702 is similar to the base 102 except that the base 1702 has adifferent shape and includes a different combination of features. Thetensioning mechanism 1704 is substantially similar to the tensioningmechanism 104 except that the top arms 158 and bottom arms 160 havedifferent shapes and profiles compared to those of the tensioningmechanism 104.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17, 19, and 21 , in certain embodiments, thebase 1702 includes a first axis 1711, a second axis 1713, a third axis1715, and a fourth axis 1717. In certain embodiments, the first axis1711 and/or the fourth axis 1717 are horizontal axes, and the third axis1715 is a vertical axis. In certain embodiments, an axis of the handle162 is parallel to, and optionally aligned with, the second axis 1713.The top arms of the arm assemblies 156A-B are rotatable along the axisof the handle 162 when the handle 162 is pushed or pulled parallel tothe third axis 1715. In these embodiments, the angle formed by both thetop members of the arm assemblies 156A-B is adjustable within a rangedefined by a minimal angle when the tensioning mechanism 1704 is in thefirst configuration and a maximal angle when the tensioning mechanism1704 is in the second configuration. In some embodiments, the anglerange between the minimal angle and the maximal angle is betweenapproximately 90° and 180°, although in other embodiments the anglerange may be outside of 90° to 180°, less than 90°, and/or greater than180° as desired.

Compared to the tensioning mechanism 104, the tensioning mechanism 1704does not include the adjustable locking pin 164 as the locking mechanism196. Instead, and as illustrated in FIGS. 17, 18, 21, and 22 , thelocking mechanism 196 of the tensioning mechanism 1704 includes a firstpost 1721 and a second post 1723 extending outwards from the handle 162.In this embodiment, the cavity 140 includes a first channel 1725 and asecond channel 1727 that receive and accommodate the posts 1721, 1723when the tensioning mechanism 104 is in the second configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 18-20 , the cavity 140 may include outer regions1719 that may receive a portion of the seat belt 107 when the tensioningmechanism 1704 is in the second configuration. In certain aspects, theouter regions 1719 may allow for the tensioning mechanism 1704 toincrease the tortuosity of the seat belt 107 in the secondconfiguration. In certain embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 19and 20 , the top arms 158 of the arm assemblies 156 may have anengagement portion 1729 (e.g., on the second ends 168) with a shape thatis complimentary to a shape of the outer regions 1719 to facilitatepositioning of the seat belt 107 within the outer regions 1719 and/or toincrease tortuosity in the seat belt 107.

Similar to the child seat 100, to use the child seat 1700, a user placesthe base 1702 on a car seat, optionally centered or otherwise positionedbetween a paired seat belt 107 and a buckle. The handle 162 may bepulled as necessary to position the tensioning mechanism 1704 in thesecond configuration, and the seat belt 107 is threaded through one ofthe belt guides 134, under the engagement portion 1729 of one top arm158, under the engagement portion 1729 of another top arm 158, andthrough a second one of the belt guides 134. The seat belt 107 may bebuckled and pulled taut by the user. The user may grasp the handle 162and press it parallel to the third axis 1715 of the base 1702. Thisaction may drive each engagement portion 1729 into the correspondingouter region 1719 of the base 1702, which may further tighten the seatbelt 107.

Optionally, one or more latches 132 may be used to further secure thechild seat 1700 on the car seat, either in addition to the seat belt 107or in place of the seat belt 107. Each latch 132 may include a hook orother suitable engagement feature. Optionally, a coupling assembly 1741having a first member 1731 and a second member 1733 couples the latch132 to the base 1702. In these embodiments, the first member 1731 may beon the latch 132 and the second member 1733 may be on the base 1702. Areleasing component (not shown, but optionally similar to the latchlocking mechanism 109) optionally may disengage the first member 1731from the second member 1733 as desired. Optionally, a linkage system1735 may transfer mechanical energy from the action of the handle 162 tothe coupling assembly 1741. In such embodiments, a user may operate thereleasing component to disengage the latch 132 from a bight of the carseat. The user may push the child seat 1700 into the seat bight,engaging the ratcheting system that may prevent the latch 132 fromextending from the base 1702 unless the releasing component is operated.The user may then operate the handle 162, which in turn acts upon thecoupling assembly 1741 to further retract the latch 132 within the base1702 (see FIG. 22 ). In some embodiments, each stroke of the handle 162from the first configuration to the second configuration causes thelatch 132 to retract into the base 1701 by a single ratchet position or“click,” further tightening and securing the child seat 1700 on the carseat.

In certain embodiments, the latches 132 optionally are coupled to thetensioning mechanism 1704 such that movement of the tensioning mechanism1704 between the first configuration and the second configuration inturn moves the latches between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration. In some embodiments, and as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and22 , in the first (unlocked) configuration (FIG. 21 ), the latches 132may be in a first configuration having a first extension length, and inthe second (locked) configuration (FIG. 22 ), the latches 132 may be ina second configuration having a second extension length that is lessthan the first length. In such examples, the movement of the tensioningmechanism 1704 to the second configuration in turn pulls the child seat1700 closer to and in tighter engagement with the car seat (assumingthat the latches 132 have been engaged with the anchors of the carseat), which may provide increased safety to the occupant of the seat.The latches 132 in the first configuration (i.e., the extendedconfiguration) may position the latches 132 to facilitate engagement ofthe latches 132 with the anchors of the car seat. The configurations ofthe latches 132 in FIGS. 21 and 22 are for illustrative purposes only,and in other embodiments, the latches 132 may be at different lengthswhen the tensioning mechanism 1704 is in the first configuration or thesecond configuration. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments,the length of the latches 132 is greatest when the tensioning mechanism1704 is in the second configuration. It is again noted that the latches132 are optional, and embodiments that include the latches 132, thechild seat 1700 may be secured to the car seat using just the seat belt107, just the latches 132, or both the seat belt 107 and the latches132. Moreover, as previously mentioned, the tensioning mechanism 1704may be used with any type of child seat as desired, and the tensioningmechanism 1704 is not limited to infant car seats and/or the seat 1700illustrated in FIGS. 17-25 .

A collection of exemplary embodiments are provided below, including atleast some explicitly enumerated as “Illustrations” providing additionaldescription of a variety of example embodiments in accordance with theconcepts described herein. These illustrations are not meant to bemutually exclusive, exhaustive, or restrictive; and the disclosure notlimited to these example illustrations but rather encompasses allpossible modifications and variations within the scope of the issuedclaims and their equivalents.

Illustration 1. A child seat configured to be secured to a car seat, thechild seat comprising: a base comprising a receiving region, wherein thebase is configured to receive a belt of the car seat at least within thereceiving region and to secure the child seat to the car seat; and atensioning mechanism pivotably attached to the base within the receivingregion, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises first arm and asecond arm, wherein the first arm is pivotably attached to the secondarm, wherein the tensioning mechanism is adjustable between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration, wherein, in the firstconfiguration, the first arm is at a first angle relative to the secondarm and the tensioning mechanism is configured to receive a portion ofthe belt, and wherein, in the second configuration, the first arm is ata second angle relative to the second arm that is different from thefirst angle and the tensioning mechanism is configured to apply tensionto the portion of the belt.

Illustration 2. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the first armcomprises a top arm and the second arm comprises a bottom arm, whereinthe bottom arm is pivotably attached to the base and pivotably attachedto the top arm, and wherein the second angle is less than the firstangle.

Illustration 3. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the first armcomprises a first top arm and the second arm comprises a first bottomarm, and wherein the tensioning mechanism further comprises: a secondbottom arm pivotably attached to the base; and a second top armpivotably attached to the second bottom arm and pivotably attached tothe first top arm, wherein, in the first configuration, the first toparm extends at a non-straight angle relative to the second top arm, andin the second configuration, the first top arm extends parallel to thesecond top arm.

Illustration 4. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism comprises a locking pin movable between a locked position andan unlocked position, wherein the base further comprises a cavity withinthe receiving region, wherein the cavity comprises a bottom cavitysurface and an end cavity surface extending outwards from the bottomcavity surface, wherein the end cavity surface comprises a lockingaperture configured to receive the locking pin of the tensioningmechanism in the second configuration such that the locking pin is inthe locked position.

Illustration 5. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the end cavitysurface further comprises a guide channel, and wherein the tensioningmechanism further comprises a guide that is slidable within the guidechannel.

Illustration 6. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism further comprises a biasing member biasing the locking pintowards the locked position.

Illustration 7. A child seat configured to be secured to a car seat, thechild seat comprising: a base comprising a receiving region, wherein thebase is configured to receive a belt of the car seat at least within thereceiving region and to secure the child seat to the car seat; and atensioning mechanism comprising a bottom arm and a top arm, wherein thebottom arm is pivotably attached to the base within the receivingregion, and wherein the top arm is pivotably attached to the bottom arm,wherein the tensioning mechanism is adjustable between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration, wherein, in the firstconfiguration, the top arm extends at a first angle relative to thebottom arm and the tensioning mechanism is configured to receive aportion of the belt, and wherein, in the second configuration, the toparm extends at a second angle relative to the bottom arm that isdifferent from the first angle and the tensioning mechanism isconfigured to apply tension to the portion of the belt.

Illustration 8. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the bottom armcomprises a first end and a second end opposite from the first end,wherein the top arm comprises a first end and a second end opposite fromthe first end, wherein the first end of the bottom arm is pivotablyattached to the base, and wherein the second end of the bottom arm ispivotably attached to the top arm between the first end and the secondend of the top arm.

Illustration 9. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armfurther comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the secondend of the bottom arm is pivotably attached to the bottom side of thetop arm between the first end and the second end of the top arm.

Illustration 10. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armfurther comprises a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a topside, and a bottom side opposite the top side, and wherein a beltpathway is defined between the bottom side of the top arm and the baseand between the bottom arm and the front end of the top arm.

Illustration 11. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armcomprises a front end, a back end opposite the front end, and a guideextending outwards from the back end, and wherein the base the basefurther comprises a cavity within the receiving region, wherein thecavity comprises a bottom cavity surface and an end cavity surfaceextending outwards from the bottom cavity surface, wherein the endcavity surface comprises a guide channel, and wherein the guide isslidable within the guide channel.

Illustration 12. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armfurther comprises a front end and a back end opposite the front end,wherein the tensioning mechanism further comprises a handle pivotablysupported by the top arm, and wherein the handle comprises a locking pinmovable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein, inthe locked position, the locking pin extends outwards from the front endof the top arm.

Illustration 13. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the handlefurther comprises: a biasing member biasing the locking pin towards thelocked position; and a button configured to selectively move the lockingpin from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Illustration 14. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the bottom arm isa first bottom arm and the top arm is a first top arm, and wherein thetensioning mechanism further comprises: a second bottom arm pivotablyattached to the base within the receiving region; and a second top armpivotably attached to the second bottom arm and pivotably attached tothe first top arm.

Illustration 15. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein, in the firstconfiguration, the first top arm extends at a first top arm anglerelative to the second top arm, and wherein, in the secondconfiguration, the first top arm extends at a second top arm anglerelative to the second top arm, wherein the first top arm angle is lessthan the second top arm angle.

Illustration 16. A child seat configured to be secured to a car seat,the child seat comprising: a base comprising a receiving region, whereinthe base is configured to receive a belt of the car seat at least withinthe receiving region and to secure the child seat to the car seat; and atensioning mechanism attached to the base within the receiving regionand pivotable about a first pivot axis, wherein the tensioning mechanismcomprises a second pivot axis offset from and parallel to the firstpivot axis, wherein the second pivot axis is movable relative to thebase, wherein the tensioning mechanism is adjustable between a firstconfiguration and a second configuration, wherein, in the firstconfiguration, the tensioning mechanism is configured to receive aportion of the belt, and wherein, in the second configuration, thetensioning mechanism is configured to apply tension to the portion ofthe belt.

Illustration 17. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism comprises a bottom arm and a top arm, wherein the bottom armis pivotably attached to the base and pivotable about the first pivotaxis, and wherein the top arm is pivotably attached to the bottom armand defines the second pivot axis.

Illustration 18. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the bottom arm isa first bottom arm and the top arm is a first top arm, and wherein thetensioning mechanism further comprises: a second bottom arm pivotablyattached to the base within the receiving region; and a second top armpivotably attached to the second bottom arm and pivotably attached tothe first top arm.

Illustration 19. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein a greatestdistance between the tensioning mechanism and the base in the firstconfiguration is greater than a distance between the tensioningmechanism and the base in the second configuration.

Illustration 20. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism comprises: a bottom arm attached to the base within thereceiving region, the bottom arm pivotable relative to the base aboutthe first pivot axis; a top arm attached to the bottom arm, theattachment of the top arm and the bottom arm defining the second pivotaxis, and wherein the top arm is pivotable relative to the bottom armabout the second pivot axis; and a handle supported by the top arm,wherein the handle comprises a locking pin configured to engage the basein the second configuration.

Illustration 21. A child seat configured to be secured to a car seat,the child seat comprising: a base comprising a first side, a second sideopposite the first side, and a receiving region between the first sideand the second side, wherein the base is configured to receive a belt ofthe car seat from the first side to the second side and within thereceiving region; and a tensioning mechanism pivotably attached to thebase within the receiving region, wherein the tensioning mechanism isadjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration,wherein, in the first configuration, the tensioning mechanism isconfigured to receive a portion of the belt, wherein, in the secondconfiguration, the tensioning mechanism is configured to apply tensionto the portion of the belt, and wherein, in both the first configurationand the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism and the basedefine a tortuous, nonlinear belt pathway from the first side of thebase to the second side of the base.

Illustration 22. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism comprises a first arm and a second arm pivotably attached tothe first arm, wherein, in the first configuration, first arm extends ata first angle relative to the second arm, and in the secondconfiguration, the first arm extends at a second angle relative to thesecond arm that is different from the first angle.

Illustration 23. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the tensioningmechanism comprises a bottom arm and a top arm, wherein the bottom armis pivotably connected to the base within the receiving region, andwherein the top arm is pivotably connected to the bottom arm.

Illustration 24. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the bottom armcomprises a first end and a second end opposite from the first end,wherein the top arm comprises a first end and a second end opposite fromthe first end, wherein the first end of the bottom arm is pivotablyattached to the base, and wherein the second end of the bottom arm ispivotably attached to the top arm between the first end and the secondend of the top arm.

Illustration 25. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armfurther comprises a top side and a bottom side, and wherein the secondend of the bottom arm is pivotably attached to the bottom side of thetop arm between the first end and the second end of the top arm.

Illustration 26. The child seat of any preceding or subsequentillustrations or combination of illustrations, wherein the top armfurther comprises a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a topside, and a bottom side opposite the top side, and wherein the beltpathway is defined between the bottom side of the top arm and the baseand between the bottom arm and the front end of the top arm.

The above-described aspects are merely possible examples ofimplementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of theprinciples of the present disclosure. Many variations and modificationsmay be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departingsubstantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure.All such modifications and variations are intended to be included hereinwithin the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims toindividual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended tobe supported by the present disclosure. Moreover, although specificterms are employed herein, as well as in the claims that follow, theyare used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for thepurposes of limiting the described embodiments, nor the claims thatfollow.

That which is claimed:
 1. A child seat configured to be secured to a carseat, the child seat comprising: a base comprising a first side, asecond side opposite the first side, and a receiving region between thefirst side and the second side, wherein the base is configured toreceive a belt of the car seat from the first side to the second sideand within the receiving region; and a tensioning mechanism pivotablyattached to the base within the receiving region, wherein the tensioningmechanism is adjustable between a first configuration and a secondconfiguration, wherein, in the first configuration, the tensioningmechanism is configured to receive a portion of the belt, wherein, inthe second configuration, the tensioning mechanism is configured toapply tension to the portion of the belt, and wherein, in both the firstconfiguration and the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism andthe base define a tortuous, nonlinear belt pathway from the first sideof the base to the second side of the base.
 2. The child seat of claim1, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a first arm and a secondarm pivotably attached to the first arm, wherein, in the firstconfiguration, first arm extends at a first angle relative to the secondarm, and in the second configuration, the first arm extends at a secondangle relative to the second arm that is different from the first angle.3. The child seat of claim 1, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprisesa bottom arm and a top arm, wherein the bottom arm is pivotablyconnected to the base within the receiving region, and wherein the toparm is pivotably connected to the bottom arm.
 4. The child seat of claim3, wherein the bottom arm comprises a first end and a second endopposite from the first end, wherein the top arm comprises a first endand a second end opposite from the first end, wherein the first end ofthe bottom arm is pivotably attached to the base, and wherein the secondend of the bottom arm is pivotably attached to the top arm between thefirst end and the second end of the top arm.
 5. The child seat of claim4, wherein the top arm further comprises a top side and a bottom side,and wherein the second end of the bottom arm is pivotably attached tothe bottom side of the top arm between the first end and the second endof the top arm.
 6. The child seat of claim 4, wherein the top armfurther comprises a front end, a back end opposite the front end, a topside, and a bottom side opposite the top side, and wherein the beltpathway is defined between the bottom side of the top arm and the baseand between the bottom arm and the front end of the top arm.
 7. A childseat configured to be secured to a car seat, the child seat comprising:a base comprising a receiving region, wherein the base is configured toreceive a belt of the car seat at least within the receiving region andto secure the child seat to the car seat; and a tensioning mechanismattached to the base within the receiving region and pivotable about afirst pivot axis, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a secondpivot axis offset from and parallel to the first pivot axis, wherein thesecond pivot axis is movable relative to the base, wherein thetensioning mechanism is adjustable between a first configuration and asecond configuration, wherein, in the first configuration, thetensioning mechanism is configured to receive a portion of the belt, andwherein, in the second configuration, the tensioning mechanism isconfigured to apply tension to the portion of the belt.
 8. The childseat of claim 7, wherein the tensioning mechanism comprises a bottom armand a top arm, wherein the bottom arm is pivotably attached to the baseand pivotable about the first pivot axis, and wherein the top arm ispivotably attached to the bottom arm and defines the second pivot axis.9. The child seat of claim 8, wherein the bottom arm is a first bottomarm and the top arm is a first top arm, and wherein the tensioningmechanism further comprises: a second bottom arm pivotably attached tothe base within the receiving region; and a second top arm pivotablyattached to the second bottom arm and pivotably attached to the firsttop arm.
 10. The child seat of claim 7, wherein a greatest distancebetween the tensioning mechanism and the base in the first configurationis greater than a distance between the tensioning mechanism and the basein the second configuration.
 11. The child seat of claim 7, wherein thetensioning mechanism comprises: a bottom arm attached to the base withinthe receiving region, the bottom arm pivotable relative to the baseabout the first pivot axis; a top arm attached to the bottom arm, theattachment of the top arm and the bottom arm defining the second pivotaxis, and wherein the top arm is pivotable relative to the bottom armabout the second pivot axis; and a handle supported by the top arm,wherein the handle comprises a locking pin configured to engage the basein the second configuration.
 12. The child seat of claim 7, wherein thetensioning mechanism comprises a bottom arm and a top arm, wherein thebottom arm is pivotably attached to the base within the receivingregion, and wherein the top arm is pivotably attached to the bottom arm,wherein, in the first configuration, the top arm extends at a firstangle relative to the bottom arm, and wherein, in the secondconfiguration, the top arm extends at a second angle relative to thebottom arm that is different from the first angle.
 13. The child seat ofclaim 12, wherein the bottom arm comprises a first end and a second endopposite from the first end, wherein the top arm comprises a first endand a second end opposite from the first end, wherein the first end ofthe bottom arm is pivotably attached to the base, and wherein the secondend of the bottom arm is pivotably attached to the top arm between thefirst end and the second end of the top arm.
 14. The child seat of claim12, wherein the top arm further comprises a top side and a bottom side,and wherein the second end of the bottom arm is pivotably attached tothe bottom side of the top arm between the first end and the second endof the top arm.
 15. A child seat configured to be secured to a car seat,the child seat comprising: a base comprising a first side, a second sideopposite the first side, and a receiving region between the first sideand the second side, wherein the base is configured to receive a belt ofthe car seat from the first side to the second side and within thereceiving region; and a tensioning mechanism pivotably attached to thebase within the receiving region.